The Ten Commandments Project Blog
Miketz’ Biblical Literacy Moment
In the Book of Zechariah, the Lord spirited Zerubbabel. He, one of the first group of Jews returning from Babylonian Exile, was tasked to rebuild the Temple. In imbuing Zerubbabel, the Lord famously stated: “Not through might or through power, but through My spirit.” Zechariah 4:6. An individual divine spirited is not a one-time scripture…
A Top Ten Torah Portion: Vayeishev
The Torah Portion Vayeishev is a top ten portion as far as the Ten Commandments. Not only is it entertaining as it includes the story of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, it is a Decalogue conversation piece. It breathes life into their commandments and the role they play in everyday life. oseph’s wonderful narrative…
Darmok and Jalad at Tenagra: Vayishlach’s Biblical Literacy Moment
For Star Trek TNG fans, the phrase “Darmok and Jalad at Tenagra” is meaningful. To them, it rekindles their memory of a television episode that explored language and communication. In it, the Enterprise crew encountered an alien species- the Tamarians- for which their universal translator did not work. The problem was that the Tamarians’ language…
Back to Basics: Vayetze’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
A Torah Portion Vayetze passage ignites a literary journey that leads to one of the primary aspects of both divine relationships and covenants. In Vayetze, while Jacob is fleeing to Harran to avoid his brother Esau’s wrath, he experiences a life-changing dream. This transformative event —upon review —surprisingly shares similarities to the Exodus. Some of…
Lech Lecha: Back to the Basics: Signs: The Ten Commandments’ Moment
I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes I saw the sign Ace of Base In that moment, I didn’t see the sign. I didn’t want to. It was one of the greatest moments of my life and I couldn’t watch. Not only did I have the best seat in the house, I…
Back To Basics: Noah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Torah Portion Noah provides unique insights into the Decalogue. Unlike the Ten Commandments’ “thou shalt not murder,” the Portion Noah’s homicide prohibition statute is complete. The restricted activity, the punishment, and the rationale are all present. Given that the Portion Noah’s statute evokes God’s image within its reasoning, theological questions arise. Thus, the Noah…
The Bereshit Haftarah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
A Haftarah is part of the Torah Reading Service. The Haftarah reading- a supplemental reading from non-Torah scripture- is a passage selected because it relates to the Torah Portion that is read. One theory advanced as to why there are Haftarah readings is that they began at a time when public Torah reading was forbidden;…
Next Level Common Knowledge: Sukkoth
Steven Pinker examines Common Knowledge in his work: When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life (2025, Scribner.) Dr. Pinker’s Common Knowledge is a term meant to describe human interactions and the knowledge of the individuals interacting. The Sukkoth Holiday- the Festival of Booths- Torah Portion…
Bereshit: The Origin of Evil?
Does the Torah Portion Bereshit explain evil’s origin? The creation narrative certainly offers clues. The results, for some, may be surprising. In the Beginning There Were Grades In Genesis Chapter 1, God grades his creations. Land and sea: good. Genesis 1:10. Plants and vegetation: good: Genesis 1:12. Night and day: good: Genesis 1:18. Sea animals,…
V’zot Haberachah’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
Before the Torah’s finale, Moses charged parents to educate their children. In the Torah’s final portion, V’zot Haberachah, Moses charges the Levites to educate the Israelite nation. In Moses’ blessing to the tribe, he assigns them a special assignment. Forever more, the Levites were tasked to provide covenantal education to the nation. This tasking raises…
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